Outright, unrestricted gifts are used to support Sweetser’s ongoing work and are vitally important to our continued success.
Cash Donation
A gift of cash is the simplest means of support. Cash contributions help provide annual operating support or may be restricted to a particular program or project. You may donate online, or send a personal check to:
Sweetser
Development Office – J2
50 Moody Street
Saco, Maine 04072
Transfer Securities
Gifts of securities are an easy way to make a charitable contribution to Sweetser. You can avoid paying capital gains tax by contributing appreciated securities. The full market value of the securities qualifies as a charitable contribution deduction. If you are considering giving depreciated securities, it is more beneficial to sell the stock, claim the loss, and then contribute the cash proceeds to Sweetser, which will entitle you to an income tax charitable deduction.
To transfer securities to Sweetser, your broker may notify Sweetser’s broker, Jill Richardson At R.M. Davis at Jill@rmdavis.com or at 207.774.0022. Sweetser’s account is with Charles Schwab. The DTC number is 0164 and the account number is 7877-4168.
For more information, contact Jodie Hansen at jhansen@sweetser.org or 207.294.4476.
Memorial and Tribute Gifts
You can make a gift in memory or in honor of a loved one. Donate online or send a check and indicate your intentions.
Real Estate
For many donors, a gift of real estate can be advantageous. If the value of the property has appreciated, gifts of real estate hold the same tax advantage as appreciated securities – you can claim a charitable deduction and avoid the capital gains liability of the appreciation. A residence or other real property may be given to Sweetser as an outright gift, or you may prefer to transfer ownership while retaining residency for life. Bequests of real estate are also welcome. In any case, a professional appraisal of the property is required.
Personal Property
Personal property such as antiques, paintings, boats, or musical instruments may be accepted. Your charitable deduction is based on a qualified appraisal and may vary, depending whether the asset is related to the charitable purpose of Sweetser. To receive optimal tax advantages, the property must be considered long-term appreciated property (held by the donor for more than one year).
Matching Gifts
Many businesses and corporations have matching gift programs through which an employee’s charitable contribution may be matched by the company, thus increasing the overall gift to Sweetser. Check with your company to see if this opportunity is available.
In-kind Donations
Sweetser accepts selected in-kind items such as furniture, computer equipment, gift certificates, event tickets, etc., if they can benefit Sweetser programs and services. For more information, contact Sara Towle at stowle@sweetser.org or 207.294.4482.
Donate a Vehicle to Sweetser
By donating your car or truck, you may receive a charitable tax deduction equal to the eventual selling price of the vehicle. Tax laws have recently changed regarding vehicle donations. For more information, visit www.v-dac.com/org/?id=010211807 or call toll-free 1.866.332.1778 and designate Sweetser as your charity of choice.
Holiday Gift Tag Program
During the holidays, Sweetser invites friends to donate gifts for children in our care. Specific gift requests are provided to those interested in donating. For more information, contact Sara Towle at stowle@sweetser.org or 207.294.4482.